Maintain Gelcoat Shine

[bhammer]

Okay, I am sure this has as many opinions as members but I thought I would ask. I am looking to do two things:

1. Apply a good quality wax that will last a season and keep my boat nice and shiny.

2. Use a maintainer if needed to increase the ability of the wax to do its job.

I operate in fresh water and trailer the boat. The boat is a year old and I'd like to start fresh so I plan to use a de-waxer wash, and then clean with a good quality wash and then wax. If I need to apply a spray on wax every so often, I am fine with that.

Any suggestions on the types and any secrets and techniques you have would be appreciated.

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

I think the biggest thing is to use marine grade products. I start or end the year with a full wax, UV protection on all upholstry, etc. I use the car "wax as you dry" sprays usually every cleaning as a suppliment to the wax and to limit spots and mineral deposits. Just a few bucks and a bottle lasts 5 or 6 cleanings on my 220 Select.

Depending how much exposure to elements your hull gets will really determine how long a waxing will last. I keep mine trailered in a boat house and do two old school style waxings a season. But I am in the south and season for me is March to November. So take that for what its worth.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

Thanks you. That is my game plan. I am in North Central TX so my boating season is like yours. I don't keep the boat inside, bit it is covered. I'll be waxing a couple times a year. I was looking at the 3M marine wax. I think a good carnuba made for marine will be the way to go.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

When it takes you 2 good days to wax the boat you want the best out there when you do it. Collinite is the only stuff I've found that will hold up for a full season (200 hours plus a year) in the salt. Salt is a mild abrasive that strips normal wax in a matter of a few trips. If Collinate lasts a full season under those condtions it sould be a slam dunk for fresh water use.

Use the 920 cleaner first. It makes the wax application a lot easier and it really adds depth to the shine. I prefer the 885 paste wax but the liquid 925 works just as well I’ve been told.

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

I'll check out that 925. Thanks for the tip. My dad says my maintenace routine is a dream compared to what he has to do on his saltwater rig.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

Thanks Guys. I will order some of the 3M stuff.

 

[SteveRay]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

+1 on the Collinite!
Love the two liquids....cleaner and wax. Great shine and long lasting​

 

[jameskb2]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

Not that I have any experience, but I remember reading on some thread about restoring gelcoat that carnuba should be avoided because it tends to yellow from sunlight.

Don't know if that's true, or not.

 

[Flash Wax Man]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

Hello All,

There are alot of detailing products to maintain a gelcoat. Professional grade Auto detailing products work well on boats too. I use Malco's Imperial Paste wax on my 88 Angler and it holds up for many months against the Florida sun. Polymer waxes seem to hold up better against heat, then Carnauba waxes.
Unless you get a Carnauba wax with no cleaner in it then it will be more durable. It seems to me that when you buy products that reads on the label, its for boats, you pay alot more money for the products.


Joe

 

[marine4003]

Re: Maintain Gelcoat Shine

COLLINITE......Stuff was developed for High Tension power lines, to stop flashover....also great stuff is any 3M product, my 2 cents............